A curious non-Catholic might ask why one might find candles burning in Catholic churches here or around the world. Votive and/or vigil lights are an ancient custom in both Catholic and Orthodox spirituality. We have been encouraged by Jesus to present our prayers and petitions before our God. We believe in the power of prayer. Burning candles symbolically represent the prayers of the faithful who wish their prayer intentions to be also remembered by others who come to pray. The term votive and/or vigil light designates the kinds of prayers offered. Votive designates the desire or informal vow (votum in Latin) of a person to keep that special intention before God in prayer. Vigil represents or expresses the desire that the prayer continues even while the person cannot remain physically present in church (vigilia in Latin means to wait and watch).
Visit the parish office or the reception desk in the Narthex after mass to reserve your votive candle for your intention.